1. Common Athletic Injuries
VALGUS force means the lower part of the tibia moves away from the midline of the body
Common Athletic Injuries
Knee ligament injuries
Large and complicated joint that is frequently injured.
Heavy hit on lateral side of knee with the foot planted can cause medial collateral ligament tears (MCL tears).
The mechanism of injury is an application of a valgus and rotational stress to the knee – injury is the result of an external force

2. Common Athletic Injuries Knee ligament Injuries – Collateral ligament sprains (left), ACL tear (right)

3. Common Athletic Injuries
ACL damage is usually caused by the joint twisting while engaged in weight bearing activities
Muscle contraction and strength development have often been cited as good ways of protecting against injury

4. Common Athletic Injuries
Hamstring strains
A hamstring injury is usually associated with running
The hamstring is the most frequently strained hamstring group in the body – reason – hamstring muscles cross two joints (hip and knee), with the hip in extension and the knee in flexion, the hamstrings are particularly lengthened.
Massive deceleration is needed during the late stage of the forward swing stage.
However, some experts say damage is caused when the ‘Quadriceps’ fail to relax sufficiently when the hamstrings contract.
50-60% Ham/Quad strength ratio should be maintained

5. Common Athletic Injuries
Lack of hamstring flexibility is another factor associated with this injury
This suggestion is still controversial
Although, hamstring flexibility work is a major part of rehabilitation for this injury

6. Common Athletic Injuries
Shoulder Dislocation
Fairly common
The shoulder region has four joints, 3 of the 4 can be dislocated or subluxed (partially dislocated)
A dislocation of the glenohumeral joint is the most frequently occurring of any joint in the body

7. Common Athletic Injuries
Reason – the joint is good for mobility, poor for stability.
When motions such as abduction,external rotation and extension are combined for activities such as throwing a baseball or spiking a v-ball the joint is placed in a vulnerable position

8. Common Athletic Injuries Shoulder separation and dislocation

9. Common Athletic Injuries
Tennis Elbow
Repetitive stress to the extensor tendons around the elbow, particularly where tendons attach to bone called the lateral epicondyle
Mechanisms: Chronic overload of extensor muscles on lateral side of elbow, poor stroke mechanics, and repeated contractions.
Other sufferers include baseball batters, golfers, weight lifters and racquetball players.

10. Common Athletic Injuries
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is an archway located at the wrist. Through this tunnel pass tendons which flex and extend the fingers
Repetition irritates tissues and they begin to swell. The inflammation and swelling compress the median nerve causing tingling, burning and numbness of the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger.
Aggravated by movement
Muscle atrophy can occur if situation isn’t remedied.

11. Common Athletic Injuries
Injury Prevention
First line defense when dealing with an injury
Ways of preventing injury:
a. Strength development – develops pattern of movement that muscles will go through rapidly during games (muscle shortening and lengthening)

12. Common Athletic Injuries
Injury prevention
b. Flexibility – maintains ROM, allows muscles to stretch suddenly during high level sports
PNF – (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) – stretching done in pairs to dampen the stretch reflex

13. Common Athletic Injuries
Injury prevention
Proprioceptive training
Awareness of body’s position in space
Balance boards, trampoline work, beam work, one legged exercises (balance)

14. Common Athletic Injuries
Injury Prevention
Muscle imbalance
Leg Asymmetry (different leg lengths)
Alignment Problems – joints not in correct positions
Environmental conditions
Braces, Sports Bras, Protective Equipment, Taping (we will be taping later in the unit)
Inappropriate Exercises – stiff legged deadlifts, hurdler’s stretch, standing press

15. Common Athletic Injuries
Injury Prevention
Warm up
prerequisite to participation
Enhancement of muscle-tendon unit to stretch
Elevation of body temp.
Increases blood flow and availability of oxygen
Allows antagonist muscle to relax